IT Buyers Rank Greenest Computer Companies

Strategic Oxygen and Cohn & Wolf have released a study that ranks which companies IT buyers view as the greenest. Over 3,500 CIOs, CXO, IT Managers and other decision makers from 11 countries were surveyed about 26 different brands to find out what businesses think about green IT products and marketing. Turns out, a company that is frequently discussed on TreeHugger made the top of the list as the most eco-friendly computer manufacturer. And The Winner Is...

Dell is the number one green technology brand, recognized for its extensive recycling program, the top ranked attribute sought by IT buyers. HP, IBM and Microsoft were noted for their energy efficient products and use of sustainable materials, while Apple held its position in the top five for designing products that are perceived to have a green look and feel.

That isn't too surprising to us, considering how serious Dell is about recycling, and it also isn't surprising about Apple, which works hard to market its new line of Macs as the greenest notebooks ever.

Dell Takes HP's Spot As GreenestWhat is also interesting to note is that Dell bumped HP from its spot as number one in the last survey conducted in July 2008. The fact that Dell won out based on its recycling program is exciting because that means IT managers are paying attention to issues such as e-waste and proper recycling....well, we hope, anyway.

But while Dell is the "winner," the survey also notes that "no single enterprise IT brand is a clear "green" leader globally and there is little statistical difference between the leaders."

Computer Companies Keeping Up With The Green JonesesLikely in the next survey, another company will bump up to number one. But we know that computer manufacturers are taking their green cred seriously and will all work hard to be (or at least be perceived to be) super green. From designing products that are ever more efficient and use less toxic materials, to designing take-back programs and peripheral green projects, companies are thankfully working hard to one-up each other in environmentalism.

So, computer companies, take note:

"The technology brands that make the authentic connection between the environmental soundness of their products and their sustainable business operations and policies, will be long-term winners," says Claudia Carasso, managing director of the global technology practice at Cohn & Wolfe. "We also know that CIOs who are committed to green strategies depend more on blogs and forums than their non-green counterparts for gathering information on technology solutions. This is an important finding for product and service providers who are looking for current and credible ways to reach the coveted C-suite buyer."